The Beginning After the End [Season 1 Episode 3]

The Beginning After the End – Season 1, Episode 3: A Rocky Start or Hidden Gem?

The Beginning After the End has been one of the most talked-about isekai anime adaptations of 2025, and Episode 3 has only fueled the fire. Produced by Studio A-Cat and directed by Keitaro Motonaga, the series follows Arthur Leywin, the reincarnated King Grey, as he navigates a new world filled with magic, danger, and personal growth. But does Episode 3 live up to the hype? Let’s dive into what fans are saying and whether this episode is a step forward or a stumble.

The Plot Thickens (But Does It Stick?)

Episode 3, titled Ripples of the Past, picks up with Arthur adjusting to his new life as a child prodigy in a world where magic is everything. The episode delves deeper into his internal conflict—balancing his past life’s loneliness with the warmth of his new family. Fans have praised the emotional depth here, especially the scenes between Arthur and his mother, which add a layer of vulnerability to his otherwise overpowered character.

However, not everyone is sold. Some viewers feel the pacing is off, with too much exposition and not enough action. One Reddit user pointed out, “It’s like the anime is trying to cram in all the world-building at once, but it just feels rushed.” Others argue that the slower moments are necessary to set up future arcs, but the debate rages on.

Animation: Hit or Miss?

Studio A-Cat’s animation has been a hot topic since the premiere. While the character designs stay faithful to Fuyuki23’s original illustrations, the animation quality has been inconsistent. Episode 3’s fight scenes—though brief—show flashes of brilliance, but some frames feel stiff or under-detailed.

A comment from MyAnimeList sums it up: “The art is gorgeous in still shots, but the movement lacks fluidity. It’s like they spent all their budget on close-ups and forgot about the action.” This inconsistency has left fans divided—some are willing to overlook it for the story, while others feel it drags the experience down.

The Isekai Formula: Love It or Hate It

The Beginning After the End follows classic isekai tropes: a powerful protagonist, a magical world, and a slow-burn power progression. Episode 3 leans into these tropes hard, and reactions are mixed.

On one side, fans adore Arthur’s character. One Twitter user wrote, “Arthur’s struggle with trust and his past makes him way more interesting than your typical OP isekai MC.” Others, though, feel the show is playing it too safe. A Crunchyroll forum post reads, “It’s good, but it’s not breaking new ground. If you’ve seen Mushoku Tensei, you’ve seen this done better.”

Still, Episode 3 introduces a key villain—a shadowy figure from Arthur’s past—which has sparked theories and excitement. “Finally, some real stakes!” one fan cheered.

Fan Reactions: The Good, the Bad, and the Hilarious

The online discourse around The Beginning After the End is as lively as ever. Here’s a taste of what fans are saying:

• The Hype Train: “This episode had me emotional. Arthur’s mom is the MVP.”
• The Critics: “The pacing is all over the place. One minute it’s deep, the next it’s boring.”
• The Memers: “Arthur’s face when he realizes he’s still OP as a kid is all of us pretending to be humble.”

Interestingly, the anime’s biggest controversy isn’t even about the episode itself—it’s about its absence on MyAnimeList. Since the series is an Original English Language (OEL) production, it doesn’t qualify for MAL’s database, leaving fans frustrated. “Why can’t we add this to our lists? MAL needs to update its rules!” one user ranted.

Final Verdict: Worth the Watch?

Episode 3 of The Beginning After the End is a mixed bag. It delivers strong character moments and teases future conflicts, but the uneven pacing and animation hold it back. If you’re invested in Arthur’s journey, you’ll find plenty to love. If you’re looking for groundbreaking animation or a fresh take on isekai, you might be disappointed.

As one fan perfectly put it: “It’s not perfect, but I’m hooked. Sometimes, that’s enough.”

So, grab your popcorn (or mana crystals) and see for yourself—just don’t expect The Beginning After the End to reinvent the wheel. Yet.

What did you think of Episode 3? Let’s discuss in the comments!